Why Not to Engage Syria

"Clinton Says U.S. Is Ready to Begin Talks With Syria"; By Mark Landler; A1

‘Regional expert,’ Martin Indyk says, “Syria wants to engage” the West but does not substantiate his claim - nor does reporter Mark Landler, for whom Indyk’s viewpoint is the basis of his article.

Three factors weaken the theory that Syria wants to engage.

First, the government of President Bashar al-Assad allows Hamas leaders to live unperturbed in Damascus. Secondly, Syria is a sponsor of Hezbollah. Third, Syria likely played a leading role in the assassination of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri and has been uncooperative with the UN's efforts to resolve the matter. 

On a separate note, Landler correctly notes that Israeli public opinion is against returning the Golan Heights to Syria but does not explain why. Israel's annexation of the Golan in 1982, a fact which explicates said opposition, is omitted.

Two other issues hamper the quality of the article.

First, Hamas is referred to as an “Islamic militant group," rather than a terrorist organization, despite the fact that the US, Europe, and Israel agree on this designation. Secondly, Landler reports that "critics say that closing the crossings has impeded the flow of humanitarian relief" but once again, does not explore the matter. 

Although Israel does permit food and medicine to enter Gaza, building materials, like cement, are restricted. The reason, however, is that Hamas uses cement to build bunkers and tunnels.